SW Bluegrass News

There were 285 first grade students enrolled in Anderson County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 1.4% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Emma B. Ward Elementary School welcomed most of the first grade students in the county, registering 106 students.

Within Anderson County schools, the highest student population was found in ninth grade, with the smallest class sizes seen in preschool.

Statewide, Anderson County ranked 50th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 50th the year before.

Kentucky is in the midst of a statewide teacher shortage as turnover rates spiked to 10.9% in 2023, up from an 8.9% nine-year average. This issue is more prominent in schools with more low-income and minority students.

Data also shows that between 2019 and 2023, there was an increase of 260% in the number of available teaching posts in Kentucky schools. This often leads to larger class sizes, combining programs, and retaining staff despite potential negative impacts on teacher working conditions.

School	# of 1st Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Emma B. Ward Elementary School	106	21.9%	484
Robert B. Turner Elementary School	100	18%	557
Saffell Street Elementary School	79	18.5%	428